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Ante
1. A mandatory bet from all players before any cards are dealt or viewed. Usually used in stud games, but sometimes required in addition to blinds for community card games.
"I lost so much money I could barely afford the ante."

2. To put money into the pot before cards are dealt.
"Who didn't ante up?"

3. The total amount of money contributed from the required ante bets.
"There wasn't much betting on that hand, but at least I got myself the ante."

4. Uncommon usage - in games with Ante and Straddle, an initial bet before viewing one's cards but required only of the player directly to the left of the dealer; the equivalent of a blind.
"After paying the ante, I stuck around a few more games since I could see my cards without paying more."
 
Australian Poker Weekly